Box Score MINNEAPOLIS -- North Central University (NCU) welcomed Martin Luther College to Elliot Park Field in front of a huge homecoming crowd. The two teams battled just a few weeks ago in a match that saw the Knights take down the Rams in New Ulm, Minn., but NCU was poised for some revenge at home. The Rams stole the momentum early taking the lead in the 21st minute, which was able to give them the lead for the majority of the match. With their backs against the wall, the Knights broke through the Ram defensive in the 81st minute to tie the game up at 1-1. The score would remain tied for the duration of scheduled play. Unfortunately for the Rams, they were unable to stop the Knights as they scored in the second minute of overtime.
Game Vitals
- The Rams were out shot by the Knights 23 : 16
- NCU had 14 saves in the contest
Game Recap
Neither team could find much separation in the early going as both failed to make any movement on the scoreboard in the first twenty minutes of the half. The teams traded scoring opportunities, but both had nothing to show for it. With the momentum hanging in the balance for either team to grab on to, the Rams found the back of the net in the 21st minute to take the 1-0 lead. Nothing changed for either team for much of the second half as the scoring opportunities seemed to come very sparingly for both the Rams and the Knights. NCU seemed to inch farther away with just twenty-five minutes left in the match when Elliot Lebsack sent a beautiful centering pass to
Adam Vang, but the shot landed just wide of the goal, much to the chagrin of the roaring home crowd. NCU continued with their defensive pressure, but the Knights found a forward break past a Ram's defender, sending a roller right past the outstretched arms of the Ram's keeper to knot the game back up at 1-1 in the 81st minute. In overtime, the Rams were unable to sustain their excellent play as they gave up the golden goal to the Knights ending the game in a 2-1 loss.
Key Performers
Next Up
NCU will prepare for a bounce back game against Viterbo at home on October 3rd. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.
Media: For further information, contact
Mike Knipe at 612-343-3541 or email mjknipe@northcentral.edu.
